Travel Tips

In every direction you walk, and there is a lot of walking to be done in Amsterdam, sights like this abound. The architecture is an amazing wonder that fascinates, hypnotizes and intoxicates the senses. I think this pic was taken on one of my many early morning treks through the city before Koninginnedag started.
By noon the streets were much busier than you see here, but every new turn held its own splendor.

This awesome building is the infamous Rijksmuseum.

Pic was taken on my first canal tour of Amsterdam. I purchased my ticket for this tour at the VVV. "Museumboot Lovers" tic was 11.50 euro and allows you to jump on and off the ship all day long. Plan an early start if you want to take in each sight. You can hop back on any "lovers" ship, they go by each stop every 15-30 minutes, and it's a great way to do the Ann Frank house tour, and the Rijks and Van Gogh museums. If your like me and want to spend more time in each, go back. I spent about 4 hours in the Rijksmuseum and still missed quite a bit. Rijks can easily be an all day visit if you're not pressed for time.

Here's a close-up of Centraal Station with a little Mini Taxi waiting for... nevermind, I just thought it was a neat little pix to add.

Standing in the center of Centraal Station one feels very tiny.

I took my first train out of here to get to the Floriade in Haarlemmermeer. (travelogue coming soon)

Ok, something funny....I never 'found' the first narrowest house, so here's the second one. Did you find this one? or the first?

I'll have to update with an address, but it is near Centraal.

A true Amsterdam luxury. Here is one of those 'coffeeshops' where coffee is actually on the menu--I think.
'Grasshopper's' in Amsterdam...
This one was just a short walk from my hotel, and well... I was just a stones throw away.

It's located right on Nieuwezijd and the interior was...breathtaking.

Now this was an eyecatcher right outside of Centraal. Don't confuse this with the Sex Museum, though. Both are just off of Damrak.

Even in this 'seedier' section, I was fortunate enough to not have any problems with pickpocketers or other...
In ANY city, just use common sense and you should be fine. Don't advertise your 'tourist' status, and keep your eyes open and your valuables secure.

The sex museum, which I did spend the 2 euro to browse through, was an interesting, slightly unusual site to take in, and would recommend it to others. Some more than others :)

Note - even these buildings have the variety of gables that are prominent throughout Amsterdam.

In the background is the (oh oh, can't remember it's name) steeple/clock tower. Note the crown on top. So many decorative crowned buildings and bridges throughout this land in honor of the royal Orange family.

Strangely, this leaning structure was one of those 'I must see this site on my adventure.' It was nearly deserted when I snapped this photo moments before Queensday festivities were to begin.

The Sluyswacht is across from Rembrandthuis, on Jodenbreestraat. Built in 1695, it was a former locke-keeper's house. It's also situated in one of the most peaceful surroundings to spend your visit in all of Amsterdam.

See the blue sky? It was not often I got to see it, but even with all the rainy days I saw, Amsterdam was a wealth of memories.